Current collector bracket assembly for prismatic battery

Abstract

A cell stack assembly of a prismatic battery includes a plurality of single cells and two current collector holder assemblies. Each single cell includes an anode electrode sheet having an outer periphery and an anode cell tab and a cathode electrode sheet having a cathode cell tab. Wherein one current collector bracket assembly electrically connects each anode battery tab to each other and the remaining current collector bracket assembly electrically connects each cathode battery tab to each other, each current collector bracket assembly comprising at least one arm, the arm is positioned to electrically connect the two or more anode cell tabs or the two or more cathode cell tabs to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a current collector support assembly for a prismatic battery. Background Art

[0002] One type of energy storage system is a prismatic battery, which includes a plurality of battery cells in a stacked configuration, wherein the battery cells are electrically connected to each other. Each cell of the prismatic battery includes an anode, a cathode and a separator. The anode includes a negative current collector, which is a foil made of a conductive material such as copper, while the cathode includes a positive current collector made of another conductive material such as aluminum. The anode foil and cathode foil of each cell are provided with corresponding foil tabs in the prismatic battery. The foil tabs may also be referred to as electrode battery tabs.

[0003] During the assembly process, the positive electrodes of each battery of the prismatic battery are electrically connected to each other, and similar operations are performed on the negative electrodes of each battery of the prismatic battery. Specifically, the foil pole ears of each anode are electrically connected to each other by bending the corresponding foil pole ears to contact each other, wherein the foil pole ears are engaged with the current collector. A similar method is also used to electrically connect the cathodes to each other. It should be understood that prismatic batteries generally include a plurality of batteries connected together. Therefore, the corresponding foil pole ears of some anodes or cathodes can be bent at a relatively sharp angle of up to about ninety degrees to contact each other. Bending the foil pole ears at a sharp angle will cause stress and strain to the foil. Therefore, in some cases, the foil of the anode and cathode may tear as the foil pole ears are bent.

[0004] Therefore, while current batteries achieve their intended purpose, there remains a need in the art for an improved method for electrically connecting two or more batteries to one another. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to several aspects, a battery cell stack assembly of a prismatic battery is disclosed and includes a plurality of single cells. Each single cell includes an anode electrode sheet having a periphery and an anode battery tab protruding outward from the periphery of the anode electrode sheet and extending beyond the periphery of the anode electrode sheet, and a cathode electrode sheet having a periphery and a cathode battery tab protruding outward from the periphery of the cathode electrode sheet and extending beyond the periphery of the cathode electrode sheet. Each anode battery tab of the battery pack assembly is aligned with each other, and each cathode battery tab is aligned with each other. The battery cell stack assembly also includes at least one current collector bracket assembly. At least one current collector bracket assembly electrically connects each anode battery tab to each other or electrically connects each cathode battery tab to each other. At least one current collector bracket assembly includes at least one arm, which is positioned to electrically connect two or more anode battery tabs to each other, or is positioned to electrically connect two or more cathode battery tabs to each other.

[0006] In another aspect, at least one arm of at least one current collector support assembly defines opposing surfaces. The two opposing surfaces of each arm are in electrical contact with one or more anode battery tabs or one or more cathode battery tabs.

[0007] In yet another aspect, at least one arm of at least one current collector holder assembly defines opposing surfaces, wherein a single surface of each arm is in electrical contact with one or more anode battery tabs or one or more cathode battery tabs.

[0008] In one aspect, at least one current collector bracket assembly includes a plurality of arms.

[0009] In another aspect, each arm of the plurality of arms of the at least one current collector support assembly defines a proximal end, a distal end, an angled portion, and a linear portion.

[0010] In yet another aspect, the proximal end of each arm of at least one current collector bracket assembly defines an opening, wherein the proximal ends of each arm of the plurality of arms of the at least one current collector bracket assembly are stacked on top of one another in sequence such that the respective openings of each arm of the plurality of arms are aligned with each other.

[0011] In one aspect, a mechanical fastener is received by each opening of the plurality of arms.

[0012] In another aspect, the mechanical fastener is a blind rivet.

[0013] In yet another aspect, the angled portion of each arm of the at least one current collector holder assembly is shaped to direct the arm from the proximal end to the anode battery tab or the cathode battery tab.

[0014] In one aspect, the linear portion of each arm of at least one current collector support assembly is in electrical contact with an anode battery tab or a cathode battery tab.

[0015] In another aspect, the anode electrode sheet is at least partially comprised of copper.

[0016] In yet another aspect, at least one current collector support assembly that electrically connects the anode cell tabs to each other is at least partially composed of copper or a copper alloy.

[0017] In one aspect, the cathode electrode sheet is at least partially composed of aluminum.

[0018] In another aspect, at least one current collector support assembly that electrically connects the anode cell tabs to each other is at least partially constructed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0019] In yet another aspect, up to about one hundred and twenty electrode battery tabs are engaged with at least one arm.

[0020] In one aspect, a method for assembling a plurality of battery stacks together to form a battery cell stack assembly is disclosed. The method includes aligning a plurality of anode battery tabs and a plurality of cathode battery tabs of the battery stack with each other, wherein the battery stack includes two or more single cells, each of which includes an anode electrode sheet having an outer periphery and an anode battery tab protruding outwardly from the outer periphery of the anode electrode sheet and extending beyond the outer periphery of the anode electrode sheet, and a cathode electrode sheet having an outer periphery and a cathode battery tab protruding outwardly from the outer periphery of the cathode electrode sheet and extending beyond the outer periphery of the cathode electrode sheet. The method also includes electrically connecting the plurality of anode battery tabs to an arm by joining, the arm being part of one of two current collector support assemblies, and electrically connecting the plurality of cathode battery tabs to the arm of the remaining one of the two current collector support assemblies. The current collector support assembly is formed by a joining process, wherein each current collector support assembly includes a plurality of arms. The method includes aligning the openings defined by the proximal end of each of the plurality of arms of the corresponding current collector support assembly with each other. Finally, the method includes securing the plurality of arms of each current collector support assembly to each other by a mechanical fastener received by an opening defined by a proximal end of each of the plurality of arms. Each arm of each current collector support is electrically connected to one of the plurality of battery stacks.

[0021] In another aspect, the method includes electrically connecting a plurality of anode battery tabs to an arm that is part of one of two current collector support assemblies and electrically connecting a plurality of cathode battery tabs to the arm of the remaining one of the two current collector support assemblies by ultrasonic welding.

[0022] In another aspect, a battery cell stack assembly of a prismatic battery is disclosed and includes a plurality of single cells. Each single cell includes an anode electrode sheet having a periphery and an anode battery tab protruding outward from the periphery of the anode electrode sheet and extending beyond the periphery of the anode electrode sheet, and a cathode electrode sheet having a periphery and a cathode battery tab protruding outward from the periphery of the cathode electrode sheet and extending beyond the periphery of the cathode electrode sheet. Each anode battery tab of the battery cell stack assembly is aligned with each other, and each cathode battery tab is aligned with each other. The battery cell stack also includes two current collector bracket assemblies, wherein one of the current collector bracket assemblies electrically connects each anode battery tab to each other, and the remaining current collector bracket assembly electrically connects each cathode battery tab to each other. Each current collector bracket assembly includes a plurality of arms, each arm is positioned to electrically connect two or more anode battery tabs or two or more cathode battery tabs to each other, and each of the plurality of arms of each current collector bracket assembly defines a proximal end, a distal end, an angled portion, and a straight portion.

[0023] In another aspect, the proximal end of each arm of the current collector support assembly defines an opening, wherein the proximal ends of each arm of the plurality of arms of the current collector support assembly are stacked on top of one another in sequence such that the respective openings of each arm of the plurality of arms are aligned with one another.

[0024] In yet another aspect, a mechanical fastener is received by each opening of the plurality of arms.

[0025] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0027] Figure 1 A vehicle including a battery pack having a plurality of battery modules and battery cells according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0028] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a battery cell stack assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, including a plurality of battery cell stacks and two current collector bracket assemblies stacked;

[0029] Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 2 An exploded view of one of the single cells of a portion of a battery cell stack assembly is shown;

[0030] Figure 4 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 2 A perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a battery cell stack assembly is shown;

[0031] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a current collector support assembly according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0032] Fig. 6A illustrates two or more anode battery tabs and cathode battery tabs prior to being joined to arms of a current collector holder assembly according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0033] Figure 6B FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a current collector bracket assembly after being joined to the arm of the current collector bracket assembly. Fig. 6A two or more anode battery tabs and cathode battery tabs; and

[0034] Figure 7 An illustration is shown according to an exemplary embodiment for assembling a Figure 2 A process flow chart of a method for stacking battery cells is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

[0036] refer to Figure 1, a vehicle 10 is shown including an exemplary battery pack 12 for providing power to an electric motor 14. The battery pack 12 includes a plurality of battery modules 16 electrically connected to each other. Each battery module 16 includes a housing 18 that surrounds a battery cell stack assembly 19 that includes a plurality of single cells 20 (see Figure 2 ).Although Figure 1 The battery pack 12 is shown as a secondary battery for providing power to the electric motor 14 of the vehicle 10, but it should be understood that Figure 1 The plurality of battery modules 16 are merely exemplary in nature, and are not limited to use as secondary batteries for vehicles. In fact, the battery modules 16 can be used in a variety of other electric vehicles and stationary applications. It should also be understood that although the vehicle 10 is shown as a sedan, the vehicle 10 can be any type of vehicle, such as, but not limited to, a truck, a sport utility vehicle, a van, or an RV.

[0037] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a battery cell stack assembly 19, wherein the battery cell stack assembly 19 includes a battery cell stack assembly 19 enclosed in Figure 1 A plurality of cells 20 are shown within a housing 18 of one of the battery modules 16 . Figure 3 Yes Figure 2 An assembled view of a single battery cell 20 that is a portion of a battery cell stack assembly 19 is shown. It should be understood that for the purpose of simplicity and clarity, Figure 2 Only six cells 20 are shown as part of the battery cell stack assembly 19. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The battery cell stack assembly 19 includes a plurality of cells 20 and at least one current collector support assembly 28. Each cell 20 includes an anode 22, a cathode 24, and a separator 26. As described below, one of the current collector support assemblies 28 electrically connects the anodes 22 of each cell 20 of the battery cell stack assembly 19 to each other, and the remaining current collector support assembly 28 electrically connects the cathodes 24 of each cell 20 of the battery cell stack assembly 19 to each other. Although two current collector support assemblies 28 are described, it should be understood that the battery cell stack assembly 19 may include only one current collector support assembly 28 to connect the anodes 22 of each cell 20 of the battery cell stack assembly 19 together, or, alternatively, the battery cell stack assembly 19 may include only one current collector support assembly 28 to connect the cathodes 24 of each cell 20 of the battery cell stack assembly 19 together. It should be understood that the current collector support assembly 28 can be used in any type of prismatic battery, wherein the individual cells 20 are positioned in a stacked configuration relative to each other.

[0038] Specific reference Figure 3, the anode 22 includes an anode electrode sheet 30 that is at least partially composed of a conductive material (such as but not limited to copper or a copper alloy). Similarly, the cathode includes a cathode electrode sheet 32 ​​that is at least partially composed of a conductive material (such as but not limited to aluminum or an aluminum alloy). The diaphragm 26 is located between the anode 22 and the cathode 24 and includes a diaphragm sheet 34 composed of an electrically insulating material. The anode electrode sheet 30, the cathode electrode sheet 32, and the diaphragm sheet 34 each include a substantially flat planar profile. In the illustrated embodiment, the anode electrode sheet 30, the cathode electrode sheet 32, and the diaphragm sheet 34 are all flat sheets with a rectangular profile; however, it should be understood that the anode electrode sheet 30, the cathode electrode sheet 32, and the diaphragm 26 are not limited to a rectangular profile and may also include other shapes.

[0039] Specific reference Figure 3 The anode electrode sheet 30 of each cell 20 includes an outer periphery 40 defining two opposite sides 42, wherein one of the two opposite sides 42 of the anode electrode sheet 30 includes an anode battery tab 44 that protrudes outward and extends beyond the outer periphery 40 of the anode electrode sheet 30. The anode electrode sheet 30 is coated with an anode active coating 46, however, the anode battery tab 44 remains uncoated. Figure 2 , the anode battery tabs 44 protrude outward and extend beyond the first side 48 of the battery cell stack assembly 19. The cells 20 are arranged in the battery cell stack assembly 19 so that each anode battery tab 44 is aligned with each other. That is, the anode battery tabs 44 of each cell 20 that is part of the battery cell stack assembly 19 are oriented on one side 48 of the battery cell stack assembly 19 and are aligned with each other.

[0040] Similarly, if Figure 3 As shown, the cathode electrode sheet 32 ​​of each battery cell 20 includes an outer periphery 50 defining two opposing sides 52, wherein one of the two opposing sides 52 of the cathode electrode sheet 32 ​​includes a cathode battery tab 54 that protrudes outward and extends beyond the outer periphery 50 of the cathode electrode sheet 32. The cathode electrode sheet 32 ​​is coated with a cathode active coating 56, however, the cathode battery tab 54 remains uncoated. Figure 2 , it should be understood that the opposite side 58 of the battery cell stack assembly 19 (where the cathode battery tab 54 is located) is not visible. However, it should be understood that the cathode battery tab 54 protrudes outward and extends beyond the second side 58 of the battery cell stack assembly 19, wherein the second side 58 is opposite to the first side 48 of the battery cell stack assembly 19. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The single cell 20 is arranged in the battery unit stack assembly 19 so that each cathode battery tab 54 (such as Figure 3 ) are aligned with each other in a manner similar to the arrangement of the anode battery tabs 44.

[0041] refer to Figure 2 , one of the current collector support assemblies 28 electrically connects the anode battery tabs 44 to each other, and the remaining current collector support assembly 28 electrically connects the cathode battery tabs 54 ( Figure 3 ) are electrically connected to each other. Each current collector support assembly 28 includes at least one arm 70 that electrically connects at least two anode battery tabs 44 or at least two cathode battery tabs 54 to each other, depending on which side 48, 58 of the battery cell stack assembly 19 the current collector support assembly 28 is located. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, each current collector support assembly 28 includes a plurality of arms 70, each arm 70 electrically connecting two anode battery tabs 44 to one another, however, it should be understood that for purposes of simplicity and clarity, only two anode battery tabs 44 are illustrated. In practice, each arm 70 of the current collector support assembly 28 may electrically connect as few as two or as many as one hundred and twenty anode battery tabs 44, 54 to one another. It should be understood that the maximum number of one hundred and twenty anode battery tabs 44, 54 may vary depending on the thickness of the anode battery tabs 44, 54, the thickness of the current collector support assembly 28, and the performance of the bonding process described below that electrically connects the arms 70 to the anode battery tabs 44, 54, such as Fig. 6A shown.

[0042] It should be understood that Figure 2 and Figure 4 The current collector support assembly 28 is shown before the arm 70 is electrically connected to the anode battery tab 44 or the cathode battery tab 54 by a bonding process such as ultrasonic welding. The bonding process is described below, and the electrical contact between the arm 70 of the current collector support assembly 28 and the anode battery tab 44 or the cathode battery tab 54 is shown in FIG. Figure 6B As shown in the figure, it is described below.

[0043] refer to Figure 2 In one embodiment, the current collector support assembly 28 is at least partially made of the same conductive material as the corresponding battery tabs 44, 54, and the arm 70 (the cathode battery tab 54 is Figure 3 4 and 54. Specifically, in one embodiment, the current collector support assembly 28 that electrically connects the anode battery tabs 44 together is at least partially composed of copper or a copper alloy, and the remaining current collector support assembly 28 that connects the cathode battery tabs 54 together is at least partially composed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0044] Each arm 70 of the current collector support assembly 28 defines two opposing surfaces 72. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, two opposing surfaces 72 of the arms 70 are in electrical contact with the anode battery tab 44 of the current collector support assembly 28 and one or more of the three arms 70. However, Figure 4is an alternative embodiment of the battery cell stack assembly 19, wherein only a single surface 72 of each arm 70 of the current collector support assembly 28 is in electrical contact with the anode battery tab 44. It should be understood that although the anode battery tab 44 is discussed and Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , however, the remaining side 58 of the battery cell stack assembly 19 including the cathode battery tab 54 also includes a similar arrangement.

[0045] Figure 5 Yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the current collector support assembly 28 is shown. Figure 5 Each arm 70 of the current collector support assembly 28 defines a proximal end 82, a distal end 84, an angled portion 86, and a straight portion 88. The proximal end 82 of each arm 70 of each current collector support assembly 28 defines an opening 90 that is shaped to receive a shank 92 of a mechanical fastener 94 (see Figure 2 ). Mechanical fasteners 94 secure each arm 70 of the collector support assembly 28 to each other. Figure 2 In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the mechanical fastener 94 is a blind rivet including a non-threaded shank 92 received by each opening 90 of the arm 70. It should be understood that the blind rivet is secured to the proximal end 82 of the arm 70 of the current collector support assembly 28 by a joining process (e.g., laser welding), the proximal end 82 being located at the bottom 100 (e.g., the bottom 100) of the stacked stack 96 of the arms 70. Figure 5 Although blind rivets are described, it should be understood that the mechanical fastener 94 may include other fastening devices.

[0046] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 , the proximal end 82 of each of the plurality of arms 70 of the current collector support assembly 28 is stacked one upon the other in sequence, and the respective openings 90 of each of the plurality of arms 70 are aligned with one another to form a stack 96 of the proximal ends 82. The stack 96 of stacks is positioned on an upper side or top side 98 of the battery cell stack assembly 19. The shank 92 of the mechanical fastener 94 is received by each opening 90 in the stacking stack 96 located at the proximal end 82 of each arm 70, which is part of the current collector support assembly 28. In the case of using a blind rivet as the mechanical fastener 94, the proximal end 82 of the arm 70 located at the bottom 100 of the stacking stack 96 is welded to the blind rivet.

[0047] The proximal end 82 is connected to the angled portion 86 of each arm 70. The angled portion 86 of each arm 70 of the current collector support assembly 28 is shaped to guide the arm 70 from the proximal end 82 located at the top side 98 of the battery cell stack assembly 19 to the anode battery tab 44 or the cathode battery tab 54, depending on which side 48, 58 of the battery cell stack assembly 19 the corresponding current collector support assembly 28 is located. Each angled portion 86 of the arm 70 of the current collector support assembly 28 includes a unique profile because each arm 70 follows a unique path from the top side 98 of the battery cell stack assembly 19 toward the anode battery tab 44 or the cathode battery. The straight portion 88 is connected to the angled portion 86 and the distal end 84 of each arm 70. The straight portion 88 of the arm 70 of the current collector support assembly 28 includes a linear profile or a straight profile and is positioned to align with the anode battery tab 44 or the cathode battery tab 54. The straight portion 88 of each arm 70 is in electrical contact with the anode battery tab 44 or the cathode battery tab 54 .

[0048] Fig. 6A is an exemplary top view of the anode battery tab 44 and cathode battery tab 54 of the battery stack 120 before the corresponding arms 70 of the current collector support assembly 28 are electrically connected to the anode battery tab 44, Figure 6B The anode battery tab 44 is shown after being electrically connected to the arm 70. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B In the example shown, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, only two anode battery tabs 44 and two cathode battery tabs 54 are shown electrically connected to the corresponding arms 70, however, it should be understood that up to about one hundred and twenty electrode battery tabs 54 may be electrically connected to the arms 70 at a time.

[0049] The battery stack 120 includes two or more single cells 20, wherein the anode battery tabs 44 are electrically connected to each other through the arms 70 of one of the current collector support assemblies 28, and the cathode battery tabs 54 are electrically connected to each other through the arms 70 of the remaining current collector support assembly 28 of the battery cell stack assembly 19. That is, each battery stack 120 corresponds to one of the arms 70 of the current collector support assembly 28 that electrically connects the anodes 22 together and one of the arms 70 of the current collector support assembly 28 that electrically connects the cathodes 24 together. Figure 2 The illustrated battery cell stack assembly 19 is composed of two or more battery stacks 120 . Figure 7 A method 700 of assembling the battery stack 120 to form the battery cell stack assembly 19 is shown and will be described in greater detail below.

[0050] In such Fig. 6AIn the non-limiting embodiment shown, the anode battery tab 44 is joined to the arm 70 by ultrasonic welding using a horn 102 and anvil 104, wherein the horn 102 moves in a direction D toward the anode battery tab 44 and acts as a resonator, while the anvil 104 remains stationary and acts as a support fixture. A similar method is also used to join the cathode battery tab 44 to the corresponding arm 70. Although Fig. 6A The anode battery tab 44 and cathode battery tab 54 are shown joined to the arm 70 by ultrasonic welding, but it should be understood that other joining processes may be used, such as but not limited to single-sided laser welding and resistance spot welding.

[0051] Reference now Figure 6B In the bonding process, the anode battery tab 44 and the cathode battery tab 54 are bent or deformed at an angle A in a direction toward the arm 70 of the corresponding current collector support assembly 28 to establish electrical contact between the anode battery tab 44 and the corresponding arm 70. In one embodiment, the angle A of the anode battery tab 44 is less than about thirty-five degrees (35°). In contrast, current prior art techniques for electrically connecting the anode battery tab 44 or the cathode battery tab 54 to each other may require bending of up to ninety degrees.

[0052] General reference Figure 2 and Figure 6A-6B , although the current collector support assembly 28 shown in the figures shows three arms 70, these figures are merely exemplary in nature, and the current collector support assembly 28 may include any number of arms 70 required to electrically connect all anode battery tabs 44 or all cathode battery tabs 54 to each other. It should be understood that the number of anode battery tabs 44 or cathode battery tabs 54 that can be electrically connected to each other at one time is limited by the joining process used (such as ultrasonic welding). Therefore, the number of arms 70 of the current collector support assembly 28 and the geometry of each arm 70 can be specifically customized to accommodate the limitations of the joining process. The arms 70 can also be specifically customized to accommodate factors such as, but not limited to, the length of the battery cell stack assembly, the size of the rivet, and the battery capacity.

[0053] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a method for assembling two or more battery stacks 120 together to form a Figure 2 A process flow diagram of an exemplary method 700 for producing a battery cell stack assembly 19 is shown. Figure 2-7 , the method 700 may begin at block 702. At block 702, the battery stack 120 (eg, Fig. 6A The plurality of anode battery tabs 44 and the plurality of cathode battery tabs 54 are aligned with each other before the bonding process. Then, the method 700 may proceed to block 704.

[0054] In block 704, a plurality of anode battery tabs 44 are electrically connected to an arm 70 that is part of one of the two current collector support assemblies 28 by a bonding process, and a plurality of cathode battery tabs 54 are electrically connected to an arm 70 of the remaining one of the two current collector support assemblies 28 by a bonding process, such as Fig. 6A and 6B In one embodiment, the bonding process is ultrasonic welding. Then, the method 700 may proceed to block 706.

[0055] In block 706, the corresponding collector support assembly 28 (see Figure 5 ) the openings 90 defined by the proximal ends 82 of each of the plurality of arms 70 are aligned with each other. Then, the method 700 may proceed to block 708.

[0056] In block 708, the plurality of arms 70 of each current collector support assembly 28 are secured to the respective plurality of arms 70 by mechanical fasteners 94 (see Figure 2 ) are fixed to each other. The mechanical fastener 94 is received by the opening 90 defined by the proximal end 82 of each of the plurality of arms 70. It should be understood that each arm 70 of each current collector bracket assembly 28 is electrically connected to one of the plurality of battery stacks 120 (e.g., Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Then, method 700 may terminate.

[0057] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, the disclosed current collector support assembly has many technical effects and benefits. Specifically, the anode battery tabs and cathode battery tabs of the single cells electrically connected by the disclosed current collector support assembly have less bending or deformation compared to the prior art currently used to electrically connect the anode battery tabs or cathode battery tabs to each other. Reducing the amount of bending required can reduce the stress and strain introduced to the electrode foil. In addition, the number of arms included in the current collector support assembly and the geometry of the arms can be specifically customized to adapt to the limitations of the joining process for electrically connecting the anode battery tabs and the cathode battery tabs together, as well as factors such as the length of the battery pack and the size of the rivet.

[0058] The description of the disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and variations that do not depart from the gist of the disclosure are intended to be within the purview of the disclosure; such variations should not be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery cell stack assembly for a prismatic battery, the battery cell stack assembly comprising: A plurality of battery cells, wherein each battery cell comprises: an anode electrode sheet having an outer periphery and an anode battery tab protruding outwardly from the outer periphery of the anode electrode sheet and extending beyond the outer periphery of the anode electrode sheet; and a cathode electrode sheet having an outer periphery and a cathode battery tab protruding outwardly from the outer periphery of the cathode electrode sheet and extending beyond the outer periphery of the cathode electrode sheet, wherein each anode battery tab of the battery cell stack assembly is aligned with each other and each cathode battery tab is aligned with each other; and At least one current collector support assembly, wherein the at least one current collector support assembly electrically connects each of the anode battery tabs to each other or electrically connects each of the cathode battery tabs to each other, wherein the at least one current collector support assembly includes at least one arm, and the arm is positioned to electrically connect two or more of the anode battery tabs or two or more of the cathode battery tabs to each other.

2. The battery cell stack assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one arm of the at least one current collector support assembly defines opposing surfaces, wherein the two opposing surfaces of each arm are in electrical contact with the one or more anode battery tabs or the one or more cathode battery tabs.

3. The battery cell stack assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one arm of the at least one current collector support assembly defines opposing surfaces, wherein a single surface of each arm is in electrical contact with the one or more anode battery tabs or the one or more cathode battery tabs.

4. The battery cell stack assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one current collector bracket assembly includes a plurality of arms.

5. The battery cell stack assembly according to claim 4, wherein: Each arm of the plurality of arms of the at least one current collector support assembly defines a proximal end, a distal end, an angled portion, and a straight portion.

6. The battery cell stack assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The proximal end of each arm of the at least one current collector bracket assembly defines an opening, wherein the proximal end of each arm of the multiple arms of the at least one current collector bracket assembly is stacked on top of another in sequence so that the respective openings of each arm of the multiple arms are aligned with each other.

7. The battery cell stack assembly according to claim 6, wherein: A mechanical fastener is received by each opening of the plurality of arms.

8. The battery cell stack assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The mechanical fastener is a blind rivet.

9. The battery cell stack assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The angled portion of each arm of the at least one current collector support assembly is shaped to guide the arm from a proximal end to the anode battery tab or the cathode battery tab.

10. The battery cell stack assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The straight portion of each arm of the at least one current collector support assembly is in electrical contact with the anode battery tab or the cathode battery tab.

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